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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • Haskell's Beach • OVER THE TOP

avg. $864 / night

Includes $45 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

Marriott Bonvoy® property

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

A 78-acre Spanish Colonial Revival resort on a Santa Barbara bluff with unobstructed Channel Islands views.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and coastal retreat seekers

Highlights:

  • Spanish Colonial Revival design by Backen, Arrigoni & Ross, opened 2000
  • Oceanfront rooms with Channel Islands views and travertine fireplaces
  • 78-acre clifftop site with native coastal sage and Canary Island palms
Coastal-refinedarchitectural

PB hotel design editorial

Perched on a bluff above Haskell's Beach where the Santa Barbara coastline curves toward Point Conception, the 358-room Bacara Resort — now operating as The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara — was designed by Backen, Arrigoni & Ross and opened in 2000 as one of the more serious attempts to extend Santa Barbara's Spanish Colonial Revival tradition into large-scale resort architecture. The whitewashed stucco volumes, red clay roof tiles, arched openings, and dark-stained wood shutters visible throughout the property draw directly from the George Washington Smith and Bertram Goodhue vocabulary that defines the city's civic identity, scaled across a 78-acre site with enough restraint to avoid the theme-park register that trip so many resort projects of its era. Inside, the interiors move between two registers visible in the images: the grander suites furnished with dark-turned four-poster beds, exposed rough-hewn ceiling beams, hand-painted Spanish tile floors, and ikat-patterned textiles in indigo and sand, and the more recently refreshed oceanfront rooms where the palette lightens to warm linen, travertine fireplaces, and lacquered accent tables opening onto wrought-iron balconies with unobstructed Channel Islands views. The pool terrace, framed by tall Canary Island date palms against the spa building's circular rotunda, and the clifftop dining terrace planted with agaves and coastal sage, together give the property a landscape character that feels genuinely rooted in its particular stretch of the California littoral.

Travel notes

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About

Set against a backdrop of golden beaches and lush mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean in the heart of Santa Barbara. The iconic Central California resort spans 78 acres and features 358 guest rooms and suites, two natural beaches, lush gardens, and a collection of amenities including a 42,000 square-foot spa and wellness center; three salt-water infinity pools; robust activities program for guests of all ages; and 101,352 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The property is distinctly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering easy access to the region’s best vineyards. It is just minutes from the center of charming and historic Santa Barbara.

Amenities

Pets Allowed

Fitness center

Pool

Kids Activities

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Internet

Suites

Wifi

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Reviews

3,430 reviews

"The whole experience we had here was truly amazing. From Marcos at the Front Desk, Dorothy at concierge helping us get set up with Nick at Tennis, to Kai at Lulio with truly outstanding service. Everyone on the team here truly cares about our experience and I cant thank them enough for helping me make this experience perfect for my girlfriend."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 25, 2026

"The Ritz Bacara is a beautiful resort perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. The Spanish Colonial architecture and expansive, well kept grounds create a very relaxing atmosphere. The property is spread out and feels like a true resort. The staff throughout our stay was consistently friendly, attentive, and eager to help, as you would expect from the Ritz. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable. Ours were very quiet, with large balconies. The large bathroom had plenty of space. The only issue we encountered was that our TV never worked during our stay, despite our reporting it several times. One of the highlights is the natural beach directly in front of the resort. It is ideal for long walks, stretching for more than a mile in either direction. Be aware that this part of the California coast has natural tar deposits, so don't be surprised if you end up with tar on the soles of your feet. It's not a swimming beach, though. The resort also has a nice family pool and a beautiful spa. The spa is excellent, although the facilities are comparable to other luxury resorts and priced accordingly. There are several restaurants on site. We particularly enjoyed the Mediterranean restaurant, Lucca, which offered very good food and service. The Italian restaurant, Marsella, was less impressive. While the setting and ocean views are beautiful, the service felt rushed; our entrées arrived before we had finished our appetizers, and the food was more stylish than memorable. The main consideration is the location. The resort itself is the destination, and that's how it should be approached. There is relatively little to do immediately outside the property. We borrowed the complimentary electric bikes and rode toward the coast near UCSB, but much of the ride passes through fairly unremarkable neighborhoods on busy streets before reaching the beach. If your goal is to spend time exploring shops, restaurants, and attractions, you'll probably be happier staying in Santa Barbara or Montecito. If, instead, you're looking to relax, enjoy beach walks and the pool, and spend most of your time on a beautiful resort property, the Ritz Bacara is an excellent choice."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 17, 2026

"Dinner served by the amazing Lina was impeccable! The best meal and service I have had in a while! We can't wait to return!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 17, 2026

"I can't recommend my massage therapist, Nancy Jane, enough!!! She was so kind and went out of her way to make me feel special for my birthday. Not to mention her pressure was the best pressure and she just has a magic touch. I booked a 50 min, but will definitely be booking an 80 min massage with her next time, because of how amazing and relaxing it was. The spa was beautiful, as well. I especially loved the different tea options and the very top of the spa in the outdoor corridor was so peaceful and stunning with a beautiful view of the ocean, Spanish style rooftops and palm trees. So grateful for my experience here at the Bacara spa and would highly recommend it to anyone, especially my massage therapist, Nancy Jane!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 04, 2026

"We stayed here for two nights as part of a California road trip. I had a conference in Goleta, which made it convenient. We booked a “Club Lounge” room which was near the spa and the club lounge. The room was comfortable and quiet. Special shoutout to the amazing staff at the Club Lounge, who made us feel like old friends: Alex, Ave, Jaden, Tram, Nora, and Harry—all warm, welcoming, and professional—super impressive, each one. Also to Dante in Reception—same comments apply. We look forward to our next stay here!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 02, 2026

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